PRAIA DE SANTA BARBARA, Sao Miguel/Azores Islands (Monday, April 22, 2013) - The pristine Azorean coastline will once again host some of the World’s best surfing talent at the upcoming SATA Airlines Azores Islands Pro, from September 3-8, 2013. The event returns to its Prime status and integrates an important Portuguese leg of events.

Following the successful completion of last year’s event in pumping surf at the iconic Praia de Santa Bárbara, ASP has awarded the coveted Prime event status to the Azores. The event will see the World’s Top 100 surfers battle it out for a richer prize-purse of $250,000 and incredibly valuable ranking points towards qualification for the World Championship Tour.

“It is great news to confirm the SATA Airlines Azores Islands Pro is going to have a Prime rating this season” comments Rob Gunning, ASP Europe’s Tour Manager. “This event has established itself over the years on our ASP Europe calendar and this year we are proud to welcome once again the world’s best surfers to the beautiful islands of the Azores.”

“The Prime rankings points will be crucial as surfers vie for a position on the rankings ladder leading into the second half of the season where we always see the pressure build and fantastic battles take place in the water” continues Gunning. “I thank the Azores Tourism board for their commitment to professional surfing and to see the SATA Airlines Azores Pro once again as one of the top events worldwide of the ASP.”

Surfers from across the globe have praised the Azore’s incredible beauty and most return to the location only wishing to explore the multiple waterfalls and hot-water pools even further. An extended waiting period will allow everyone to enjoy the island’s natural resources as well as the organizer to run the event in the best possible conditions.

The Azores tourism authority has been supporting the event in getting the Prime status and join Rodrigo Heredia, event’s organizer, in extending the invitation to the populations of Europe and beyond.

“It’s great to be a Prime event again,” Heredia stated. “It’s very important for the Azores islands promotion to show to the world their waves, their beauty and to be considered as one of the best spots to surf in Europe.”

The ASP Prime Men’s SATA Airlines Azores Islands Pro is scheduled from September 3-8, 2013 in Sao Miguel, Azores Islands. For all results, photos, video highlights, press releases and LIVE webcast, log on to aspeurope.com.